AAO "precedent" decisions are binding on which group of individuals?

The correct choice indicates that AAO "precedent" decisions are binding on all USCIS employees. This is significant because it establishes a standard that USCIS employees must follow when making decisions about immigration cases. The AAO (Administrative Appeals Office) issues these decisions to ensure consistency and uniformity in the interpretation of immigration laws and regulations across various cases handled by USCIS.

When a precedent decision is made, it serves as a guide for USCIS employees in their adjudication of similar cases, thereby fostering fair treatment and predictability in the immigration process. This binding nature helps to create a coherent body of immigration law, which both the agency and applicants can rely upon for future reference.

The other groups mentioned, like federal judges, BIA members, and state immigration officers, do not have the same obligation to adhere to AAO precedent decisions, as they operate under different judicial and administrative frameworks. Thus, the applicability of precedent decisions is specifically tailored to USCIS employees, reflecting the internal governance and standards within that agency.